Improvement of damping property of skis

In a previous study, the authors developed a `steel ball damper' to improve the damping of a ski. Experimental results showed that the damping of the ski can be increased at the vibration modes, except for the first and second vibration modes, by using the steel ball damper. In the present study, the shape of the steel ball damper was modified from a slim straight circular cylinder to a thin rectangular solid for more convenience in handling. It was made clear experimentally that the damping property of the ski with the modified steel ball damper, was better than that of skis with various vibration absorbing systems. This was achieved by tuning the steel ball's diameter, the steel ball damper's mass and the attachment position of the steel ball damper. Furthermore, perception tests were carried out on a snow slope. In the test with subjects, better perception and response were reported for skis fitted with the modified damper.